Museumgemaal Caners

About the museum

The Caners pumping station was built in 1933/34 at the spot where the Roode Wetering flowed into the Maas. It drained the Hoog and Laag Hemaal polders by discharging excess water into the Maas or pumping it in. The building was designed by the Nijmegen engineering firm Van Hasselt & De Koning in the Delft School style with traditionalist and functionalist features; it is a Rijksmonument.

Since 1979 the more modern Gewande pumping station, which lies very close by, has taken over water-level control, and Caners is out of service. From 1983 the building was converted into an information centre and museum pumping station. Today it is run by the Aa en Maas Water Authority as an insight into its own history.

On display are the old tools of the pumping-station master, maps and photos from the past of the water authority's area, and the "old treasures of Caners". On opening days the original old diesel engine runs regularly. Volunteer guides explain how pumping stations have kept the land dry for generations. Opposite lies the Maasuiterwaard Blauwe Sluis nature reserve with the remains of an old fort; the Beerse Overlaat, through which water was channelled in a controlled way into the hinterland during floods, is also part of the themes covered.

Highlights

• Original diesel engine, often started up on opening days
• Pumping station of 1933 in the Delft School style (Rijksmonument)
• Old tools, maps and photos of the Aa en Maas Water Authority
• Films on the present and past of water management
• Location on the Maas dike opposite the Blauwe Sluis nature reserve with a fort

Permanent exhibition

• Museumsgemaal Caners – Old tools, maps and photos of the water authority, films on water management and the original diesel engine in the historic engine house.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Waterschap Aa en Maas

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission and guided tours are free of charge.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 8+

Tours are aimed at children from about 8 years and adults; there is otherwise no children's programme.

Getting there & parking

The Museumgemaal is located on the Krommenhoek road on the dike between Empel and Lith.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit